Max Verstappen said after the Singapore Grand Prix that his punishment for swearing in a news conference could speed up his exit from Formula One.
Verstappen, who finished second behind title rival Lando Norris on Sunday, has often said that he is not motivated by having a long career in the competition.
The Dutchman has now gone seven Grand Prix without a pole position and seven without a victory, but did halt his two-race podium drought this time around.
But Verstappen's weekend was dominated by his actions off the track rather than on it, saying the controversy could make his departure from the sport a lot quicker.
"These kinds of things definitely decide my future as well, when you can’t be yourself or you have to deal with these kinds of silly things," Verstappen said.
"Now I am at the stage of my career where you don’t want to be dealing with this all the time. It’s really tiring.
"For me, that is not a way of continuing in the sport, that’s for sure."
On Friday in Singapore, Verstappen was ordered by race stewards to "accomplish some work of public interest" swearing while describing his car’s performance in Baku while speaking in the official pre-event news conference on Thursday.
He staged a protest against the decision by giving short answers in the official post-qualifying news conference.
Verstappen called the penalty "ridiculous" and was backed by Norris and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton.
"If you can’t really be yourself to the fullest, then it’s better not to speak," Verstappen said.
"But that’s what no one wants because then you become a robot and that’s not how you should be going about it in the sport.
"You should be able to show emotions in a way. That’s what racing is about. Any sport.
"Anyone on the pitch, if they get tackled, or get pushed, or they are not happy with something or there is a frustrating moment, or something they get asked about, it’s quite normal there can be a sort of reaction."
There was also an emotional moment for Verstappen's former Red Bull team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, with the Singapore Grand Prix potentially his final race in F1.
Rumours had swirled in the build up to this weekend's race that the eight-time Grand Prix winner would be replaced at RB by Liam Lawson for the final six races of the season.
The Australian recorded the fastest lap and was voted the driver of the day, but Ricciardo gave his clearest indication that this weekend may be the end of his career in the sport.
Referring to his fastest lap attempt, Ricciardo said: “It was maybe just to have one last crack at doing a fast one, if it is to be it.”
Pushed on whether that meant Singapore may have been his last Grand Prix, Ricciardo replied: “Possibly, I have to acknowledge that.
"It’s been a little bit of a race-by-race situation and I would have obviously loved the weekend to have gone better. It didn’t, so I have to prepared for this maybe being it.
"I do feel, let’s say, at peace with it.
“At some point, it’ll come for all of us… I think also, I tried to get back into Red Bull, it didn’t work out, so then I also have to say, ‘Okay, what else am I ultimately doing here and trying to achieve?’
"Let’s say maybe the fairytale ending didn’t happen, but I also have to look back on what it’s been. Fourteen or so years and I’m proud.
“I think when you’ve experienced the highs of winning, you can only fight for P10 for so long."
Ricciardo was spotted taking his time getting out of the cockpit, the Australian appearing to savour the final moments with the car after a gruelling 62-lap race.
Across his 13-year career, Ricciardo has won eight times, with his latest win coming for McLaren at the Italian Grand Prix back in 2021.
But as he crossed the line for potentially the final time, the Australian struggled to hold back the tears.
“A lot of emotions, because – look I’m aware it could be it, and I think it’s also just [being] exhausted after the race," Ricciardo concluded.
"So it’s like a flood of many emotions and feelings and exhaustion.
“The cockpit is something that I got very used to for many years,” added the veteran of 257 Grand Prix starts, tearing up. “I just wanted to savour the moment.”
Atletico Madrid lost early ground to Barcelona in their quest for the LaLiga title as they were held to a 1-1 draw with city rivals Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
The visitors withstood an early spell of pressure and almost took the lead in stunning fashion when Julian Alvarez's strike from distance cannoned off the crossbar.
But Diego Simeone's side found themselves a goal down in the 35th minute when Isi Palazon turned home Raul de Tomas' cross after good work from Jorge de Frutos.
However, parity was restored four minutes after the break when Conor Gallagher struck beyond Augusto Batalla from the edge of the area to net his second goal in as many games for his new club.
Atletico continued to push for a winner, with Alvarez and Angel Correa going close, but Rayo Vallecano were able to hold firm for the closing exchanges.
The result leaves Simeone's side in fourth place, six points behind league leaders Barcelona who thumped Villarreal 5-1 earlier in the day.
Data Debrief: Gallagher embracing advanced role
Having only scored 10 goals in 90 appearances for Chelsea, Gallagher is flourishing under Simeone's stewardship in Spain.
During the contest, only Koke and Alvarez (both 14) made more passes into the final third than Gallagher (11), with his strike coming from an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.06.
But the England international did not neglect his defensive responsibilities. Gallagher won more tackles (four) than anyone on the pitch, while also winning three fouls.
Carlos Alcaraz's straight-set triumph over Taylor Fritz ensured Team Europe completed a remarkable final day comeback to lift the Laver Cup in Berlin.
Team World had led 11-7 heading into the penultimate match of the competition, but Alexander Zverev's win over Frances Tiafoe forced a deciding contest.
The Spaniard completed the thrilling turnaround in style, saving three of the four break points he faced to hand Team Europe their first win at the tournament since 2021.
Alcaraz managed eight points for Team Europe during the 2024 edition of the Laver Cup, the most points a player has earned in a single edition of the tournament.
The world number three kickstarted proceedings in the doubles with Casper Ruud, emerging victorious in straight sets 6-2 7-6 (8-6) against Tiafoe and Ben Shelton.
Speaking after his opening game of the day, Alcaraz said his performance was an attempt to imitate the great Roger Federer, who was watching on in the stands.
"I think that one of the best tennis players that made these shots possible was Roger [Federer]," Alcaraz said.
"I have watched him many times and the way he plays these unbelievable shots.
"Sometimes, in some way, I try to imitate him a little bit and that is why I try in every practice and in every match to bring some good shots into the match."
But the pendulum swung back in Team World's favour in the following game, with Shelton downing Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (8-6) 5-7 7-10 to put his side on the brink.
However, Zverev found his groove at just the right time, winning his first match of the week 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 10-5 to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
But on his Laver Cup debut, Alcaraz held his nerve with a commanding 6-2 7-5 display against Fritz to see Team Europe become only the second team in the last six editions of the tournament to win having trailed on the final day.
Matteo Gabbia's dramatic late winner secured Milan a valuable three points against rivals Inter at the San Siro on Sunday.
Gabbia planted a bullet header from Tijjani Reijnders' free-kick beyond the grasp of Yann Sommer in the 89th minute to end a run of six straight Milan derby defeats for the Rossoneri.
Milan's bright start was rewarded in the 10th minute when Christian Pulisic drove at the Inter defence before prodding the ball home, becoming the first player from the United States to score in the history of the Milan derby.
But their lead was short-lived as Federico Dimarco's left-footed strike nestled into the bottom corner 17 minutes later, with Inter heading into the interval in the ascendency.
Milan were awarded a penalty 20 minutes into the second half for a handball by Lautaro Martinez, but the decision was swiftly overturned by VAR as replays showed the ball hit the Argentine's shoulder.
With both teams pushing for a winner, Milan's best chance appeared to have gone when Tammy Abraham fired wide with the goal at his mercy.
However, there was to be a late twist at the San Siro, with Gabbia rising highest to secure a much-needed win for under pressure head coach, Paulo Fonseca.
Data Debrief: Pulisic and Gabbia end Inter hoodoo
Pulisic's opener for Milan saw them score the first goal of a derby against Inter for the first time since Zlatan Ibrahimovic did so back in October 2020.
The American continued his impressive form for the Rossoneri, netting his eighth Serie A goal since March, more than any other player in that period.
Gabbia's late winner also saw Milan win a Serie A derby when drawing in the 89th minute for the first time since 1999, when George Weah scored.
For Inter, Dimarco's leveller saw the Italian become the first Milan-born player to score a Serie A goal in the Derby della Madonnina since Paolo Maldini in November 2004.
The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) has made a significant contribution to the development of cycling in Jamaica by donating JMD$1 million to the Jamaica Cycling Federation. The grant, aimed at boosting the sport’s progress, was used to purchase vital racing and training equipment, including state-of-the-art smart trainers.
The Jamaica Cycling Federation expressed its gratitude for the financial assistance, highlighting the importance of this investment in elevating the sport’s standards. Smart trainers have become increasingly popular in cycling programs worldwide due to their advanced capabilities, which are integral to modern training methods.
“These smart trainers are game changers,” said a spokesperson for the Federation. “They allow riders and coaches to approach training in a more scientific manner, offering features like measuring and tracking energy output, simulating race routes, and even enabling coaches to remotely access training data.”
This technological upgrade not only enhances training efficiency but also opens up new possibilities for coaches to closely monitor and optimize athletes' performance. The equipment's ability to simulate real-world racing conditions and provide accurate data on rider performance will help Jamaica’s cyclists prepare for international competition with cutting-edge tools.
The JOA's donation represents its ongoing commitment to supporting the development of underrepresented sports in Jamaica. “This contribution from the JOA is truly appreciated and confirms the continued support for the growth and development of sports like cycling,” the Federation said.
The equipment is expected to help Jamaica’s cyclists better prepare for regional and international competitions, as the nation continues to push for excellence across various sporting disciplines.
South Africa's Aiden Markram denied Afghanistan a clean sweep as the Proteas clinched a seven-wicket triumph in the final match of their ODI series.
After being comfortably beaten in the first two games, Markram led his side to victory with an unbeaten 69 to secure a comfortable victory for the tourists.
Afghanistan's innings was dominated by opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, striking 89 runs from 94 deliveries as the hosts' batting order tumbled around him.
South Africa capitalised on their chances through the middle phase, with Rahmat Shah (one), Hashmatullah Shahidi (10) and Ikram Alikhil (four) all run out.
Nqaba Peter (2-22) claimed the final wicket of the day after capturing Naveed Zadran (one), with South Africa set a target of 170 to secure their consolation victory.
However, the Proteas started poorly in their run chase, losing the wickets of Temba Bavuma (22), Tony de Zorzi (26) and Reeza Hendricks (18) for just 80 runs.
Markram's innings steadied the ship for the Proteas, with his unbeaten knock coupled with a 90-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs (26) seeing the tourists home.
The victory salvaged some pride for South Africa, having been well-beaten in the first two encounters, while also providing some momentum heading into their upcoming series against Ireland.
Data Debrief: Markram restores Proteas' pride
Markram produced an impressive display at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with his unbeaten 69 including three sixes during his 98-minute spell.
He also ended his innings with an impressive strike rate of 102.99, a total only bettered by AM Ghanzanfar for the hosts (206.67).
South Africa's Aiden Markram denied Afghanistan a series clean sweep as the Proteas clinched a seven-wicket triumph in the final match of their ODI encounters.
After being comfortably beaten in the first two games, Markram led his side to victory with an unbeaten 69 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Afghanistan's innings was dominated by opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz who struck 89 runs from 94 deliveries as the hosts' batting order tumbled around him.
South Africa capitalised on their chances through the middle phase, with Rahmat Shah (one), Hashmatullah Shahidi (10) and Ikram Alikhil (four) all run out.
Nqaba Peter (2-22) claimed the final wicket of the day after capturing Naveed Zadran (one), with South Africa set a target of 170 to secure their consolation victory.
However, the Proteas started poorly in their run chase, losing the wickets of Temba Bavuma (22), Tony de Zorzi (26) and Reeza Hendricks (18) for just 80 runs.
Markram's innings steadied the ship for the Proteas, with his unbeaten knock coupled with a 90-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs (26) seeing the tourists home.
The victory salvaged some pride for South Africa, having been well-beaten in the first two encounters, while also providing some momentum heading into their upcoming series against Ireland.
Data Debrief: Markram restores Proteas' pride
Markram produced an impressive display at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with his unbeaten 69 including three sixes during his 98-minute spell.
He also ended his innings with an impressive strike rate of 102.99, a total only bettered by AM Ghanzanfar for the hosts (206.67).
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert re-aggravated an ankle injury in Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Herbert left after being sacked by linebacker Elandon Roberts midway through the third quarter and was replaced by Tyler Heinicke.
Herbert was uncertain to play in this matchup of 2-0 teams after having his ankle rolled up on in Los Angeles' 26-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers last Sunday. He went through pre-game warm-ups, however, and was deemed good to go.
The score was tied at 10-10 when Herbert exited and the Chargers offence only managed one first down on their final two possessions with Heinicke.
Herbert finished the game 12-of-18 for 125 yards with a touchdown, while Heinicke completed his only two pass attempts for 24 yards, but was sacked three times.
In 13 games last season, Herbert averaged 241.1 passing yards with 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions, but for the run-heavy Chargers in 2024, he entered Week 3 with 274 total passing yards with three TDs and one pick.
Los Angeles averaged 197.5 rushing yards in its first two games, but managed just 61 on the ground against the Steelers.
Mikel Arteta labelled Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Manchester City as a "miracle" after spending 56 minutes down to 10 men following Leandro Trossard's dismissal.
Erling Haaland's 100th Manchester City goal had put the hosts in front in the ninth minute, only for Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes to turn the game on its head.
Despite their goal advantage at the break, the Gunners also entered the interval with a man less after Trossard was given his marching orders for a second yellow card.
The visitors withstood an endless wave of City pressure, facing 28 shots in the second half before John Stones netted in the eighth minute of injury time.
While Arsenal will leave the Etihad disappointed with not taking all three points, Arteta lauded his players for their efforts against "the best team in the world".
"I am so proud of the team. We played the game in a difficult context. Playing against the best team in the world," Arteta said.
"After what happened, we went 2-1 up - it was a different story and I prefer not to make any comment about that [Leandro Trossard's red card].
"Obviously, it is already a miracle we played 56 minutes at the Etihad with 10 men. It is unbelievable what we have done."
However, Arteta was far less effusive about Michael Oliver's decision to show Trossard a second yellow card for delaying the restart after fouling Bernardo Silva.
Since the Spaniard's first game in charge of the Gunners, he has seen 17 players red carded in the Premier League - at least four more than any other club.
"It is very obvious, I don't need to talk about it. I think the red card is very clear, very obvious what people think," Arteta continued.
"It is not my job to come here and judge what happened.
"My job is to survive in one of the most difficult environments there is in football for 55 minutes and try to get things done to survive.
"The rest is not my job, but it has already happened twice in five games, which is very worrying to see in the best league, the Premier League.
"[The red card] makes the situation impossible. It is very, very hard to play with 11 players, with ten it is impossible.
"With ten you have to defend your six-yard box time and time again."
It was a frustrating afternoon for the reigning champions, with Pep Guardiola's side restricted to very little by Arsenal's stern defensive resolve.
The Gunners averaged just 12.5% possession after the break, with City failing to make their advantage count until the last kick of an enthralling encounter.
In Arsenal's attempts to halt the City onslaught, a number of players went down with cramp, much to the frustration of the home faithful packed inside the Etihad.
"I don't know how many [Arsenal] players went down with cramp, but that can of course happen in a demanding game," Guardiola added.
"We crossed and crossed and had Ruben [Dias], Manuel [Akanji], Erling [Haaland] but when you cross they have Declan Rice, William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, so it is so difficult.
"There were ten players there. In the end, we got what we deserved.
"Maybe I would have done the same because it is with ten men. You have to ask Mikel [Arteta] what the tactic was.
"They were good with the long balls into Kai Havertz who is so strong and they go for the second balls.
"In the end we were patient, had the chances and got the goal. That's all."
Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha both scored twice to help Barcelona thrash Villarreal 5-1 on Sunday.
Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the season when they went down to Monaco in the Champions League in midweek, but Hansi Flick's team bounced back in style in LaLiga.
They have now won their opening six league matches under Flick to start the season.
Lewandowski found the net twice inside 35 minutes before Villarreal pulled a quick one back through Ayoze Perez.
But Pablo Torre made it 3-1 after the break and Raphinha completed the rout for Barca with two goals late in the second half.
Barcelona did, however, lose goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen just before half-time after the German goalkeeper fell and was visibly in pain as he was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
The Blaugrana remain top of the standings as they preserved a four-point lead over defending champions Real Madrid in second.
Data Debrief: Ten in a row for free-scoring Barca
That is now 10 LaLiga wins on the spin for Barca over the course of this season and the end of last. That is their longest such winning streak since 2017, when Lionel Messi was still running the show.
Barca have now scored 23 goals in all competitions this season, a tally bettered only by Bayern Munich (29).
The Blaugrana's five goals on Sunday came from 4.08 xG, though Villarreal did have chances of their own, accumulating 2.11 xG, so Flick will want to see his team tighten up at the back.
John Stones believes Manchester City showed great composure to keep their cool in the face of Arsenal's 'dark arts'.
Stones scored a 98th-minute leveller as the spoils were shared in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
City took an early lead through Erling Haaland's 100th goal for the club, though after Rodri sustained a nasty-looking knee injury, Riccardo Calafiori opened his account for Arsenal with a sensational equaliser.
Gabriel Magalhaes' towering header put Arsenal ahead, but Leandro Trossard saw red on the stroke of half-time, paving the way for City to dominate the second half.
Yet they could not find the breakthrough until Mateo Kovacic's shot rebounded to substitute Stones, who steered in from close range. It was City's latest goal scored on record (from 2006-07) in a Premier League match, and came from their 28th shot of the second half, the joint-second highest ever by a side on record in a single half of football in the competition.
The match was played at full-throttle, and with plenty of controversy, but Stones thought City kept their heads.
"[Arsenal] used the side of football that not many teams do – make it difficult, slow it down, get people on the floor," Stones told Sky Sports.
"We had to control our emotions and I think we did. We come away with a point, when it could have been us losing three points. We'll review it, we've got a game in two days which is fast, but how we fought until the end is a credit to us.
"I don't know if they've mastered [the dark arts] – we know what to expect, you can call it clever or dirty, whichever way you want to put it.
"They break up the game, it upsets the rhythm for everyone, they used it to their advantage and I thought we dealt with it really well. It's not easy when those things happen, when you try to get level, but we controlled our emotions really well.
"Everyone expects, watching a big game like this, there to be drama, but when you're in it you want to be level-headed. I thought we did that. It was a day to review and take a lot of positives from.
"For the past few years we've had a rivalry that's grown, one we always want to come out on top [in]. We always want to come away with three points, but how we managed the game and came away with a vital point is something we should be proud of."
City's dominance was evident in the full-time stats. Arsenal recorded just 22% possession, their second-lowest on record (from 2003-04) in a Premier League game (after 20% vs Man City in August 2021). The Gunners averaged just 12.5% possession in the second half.
That being said, Pep Guardiola had to revert to a route one approach late on.
"[Guardiola] wanted me to play closer to Erling to play high up the pitch, get more crosses in and win a few aerial duels," explained Stones.
"It's so interchangeable, so fluid in movement. I tried to go on and get in the right areas, and it fell for me, luckily."
Deniz Undav scored a brace as a rampant Stuttgart put on a spectacular display to stun Borussia Dortmund 5-1 on Sunday.
Nuri Sahin's Dortmund side went into the clash unbeaten in the Bundesliga this season, but that run was emphatically ended.
Undav got Stuttgart off to a flying start inside five minutes at the MHP Arena when the forward found Maximilian Mittelstadt's pass, stormed into the box and fired into the far bottom corner.
Last season's runners-up tore apart the shocked visitors' defence, with Mittelstadt providing Ermedin Demirovic with a chipped cross to head home and double Stuttgart's lead in the 21st minute.
After Enzo Millot added a third for the hosts, former Stuttgart man Serhou Guirassy reduced Dortmund's deficit with a goal in the 72nd minute.
But substitute El Bilal Toure and Undav made matters worse as they added another goal each to Stuttgart's tally.
Dortmund sit eighth in the Bundesliga with seven points from four matches, while Stuttgart are sixth with the same points but a better goal difference.
Data Debrief: Mittelstadt toys with BVB
On his 180th appearance, Stuttgart's Mittelstadt assisted twice in the same Bundesliga match for the first time.
Against no other team has he set up more top-flight goals than against Dortmund, who mustered just 0.49 xG to Stuttgart's 3.01.
Stuttgart, meanwhile, have now scored at least three times in each of their last six home games in the Bundesliga, a new club record. They are also unbeaten in 14 home games in the top flight.
John Stones snatched a last-gasp equaliser as Premier League title rivals Manchester City and 10-man Arsenal drew 2-2 in a thrilling, fiery clash at the Etihad Stadium.
The Gunners looked all set to claim a statement win on Sunday, until City substitute Stones finished from point-blank range deep into second-half stoppage time.
Erling Haaland’s 100th City goal handed the hosts a deserved advantage early on, only for Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes to give the Gunners a half-time lead, albeit one that was soured by Leandro Trossard’s dismissal in stoppage time.
For the majority of the second half, it looked as though City would not be able to make their numerical advantage count, with David Raya on top form in Arsenal’s goal.
Yet Raya was beaten when Stones latched onto a rebound six yards out, with City claiming a potentially vital point that sent them back to the summit, while Arsenal sit fourth.
There was also concern for the hosts in the first half, with Rodri limping off after 20 minutes following a tangle with Thomas Partey inside the penalty area.
Data Debrief: Game of Stones
Stones proved to be the man of the hour for the hosts, with his 17th City goal perhaps his most important so far.
The defender's equaliser in the 98th minute was City's latest goal scored on record (from 2006-07) in a Premier League match.
It came from the hosts' 28th shot of the second half, the joint-second most ever by a side on record (from 2003-04) in a single half of Premier League football, behind Man City’s 34 vs QPR in May 2012.
Until Stones’ late intervention, Haaland had scored each of City's last eight Premier League goals; only Alan Shearer for Blackburn in October / November 1993 (nine in a row) has ever scored more in succession for a club in the competition.
Bayer Leverkusen must treat their dramatic victory over Wolfsburg as a "huge wake-up call", so says Granit Xhaka.
Bundesliga champions Leverkusen pulled off a stunning comeback to win 4-3 on Sunday.
Victor Boniface scored a 93rd-minute winner, with Leverkusen having to come from 3-2 down after Wolfsburg scored twice in the space of nine minutes at the end of the first half.
And Xhaka, who assisted Florian Wirtz's 14th-minute goal to cancel out Wolfsburg's early opener, knows there is plenty of room for improvement.
"This is a huge wake-up call for all of us. We can't continue with this performance," Xhaka told DAZN.
"We can't defend so naively. That's not good enough and shouldn't happen at this level. A top team doesn't concede two goals in nine minutes! It was all far too easy."
Xabi Alonso's men have now conceded nine goals in the league, and are the first defending champions to go without a clean sheet in the first four Bundesliga games of the season since Kaiserslautern in 1998-99.
Boniface, meanwhile, looked on the brighter side.
"We knew how Wolfsburg would play and what we were up against," he said.
"We really wanted to turn the game around for our fans.
"We managed to do that. Now, of course, we're very happy."
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